C'RIVER NUJ DECRIES INCREASING RATE OF BEGGARS ON CALABAR STREETS
By Ebi COLLINS
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ ), Cross River state Council, has decried the increasing rate of beggars on major streets in Calabar metropolis.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of her December 2024 Congress, held at Ernest Etim press centre, Calabar.
The union, in the congress said the ugly development does not present the state in good light considering the influx of visitors to the city for the christmas festivities, therefore, called on relevant government agencies to address the issue promptly.
According to the statement, which was e-signed by chairman of the communiqué drafting committee, Mr Bassey Aniekan alongside two other members, Mr. Ene Asuquo and Julian Obasi, Congress also commended the governor Bassey Otu's led administration for the ongoing massive road rehabilitation across the state.
The union, however, appealed that areas such as White House by William George, Howell by St Mary as well as other streets yet to be attended to, should also be considered.
Significantly too, the congress also observed the reduction of criminal activities within the state following the Illumination of most streets in the city and hoped that other areas yet to have street lights will in like manner, be attended to.
In the same vein, the union hailed the pronouncement of N70,000 minimum wage by governor Bassey Otu, expressing joy over the development even as she hoped he will ensure the needed implementation alongside the promotion arrears of workers.
Moreso, congress frowned at the unwholesome activities of Ekpo masquerades, who go about harassing residents, especially the female folk, and as a result, called on the Commissioner of Police to enforce the ban on unauthorized display and parade of masquerades as well as fireworks in the state.
The communique, nevertheless, condemned the fake news circulating on social media insinuating that electricity has been restored in the entire Bekwarra local government area of the state even when the reverse was the case, therefore, warned mischief makers to desist forthwith.
